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Friday, April 25, 2025 Volume 21 • Issue No. 17
Ogunquit Chamber and Playhouse Present New Events “Ogunquit Lobster Bite Challenge”
OGUNQUIT Get ready for a brand-new culinary showdown in Ogunquit! The Ogunquit Chamber of Commerce presents the Ogunquit Lobster Bite Challenge, bringing together top area chefs to compete head-to-head for the title of Best Lobster Bite. Participants can sample a variety of creative, mouth-watering lobster bites and cast their vote for the People’s Choice, while a panel of expert judges selects their top pick. The chef who wins the judges’ vote will earn a coveted spot in Portland’s Harvest on the Harbor competition.
The culinary event will take place Saturday, May 3, from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Playhouse Event Tent on the grounds of the Ogunquit Playhouse, 10 Main St. With their event ticket, participants will make their way through multiple tasting stations,
“Rockin’ the Boat”
savoring a bite-sized lobster creation from each. From classic Maine flavors to bold, innovative twists, every bite is a new experience! Ticket purchase also includes unlimited wine pairings, See LOBSTER on page 15 . . .
OGUNQUIT Feeling lucky? The Ogunquit Playhouse and the Ogunquit Chamber of Commerce are proud to present “Rockin’ the Boat,” a free event to kick off summer in style! Rockin’ the Boat sets sail on Sunday, May 4, from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Ogunquit Playhouse Event Tent, located on the playhouse grounds at 10 Main St. in Ogunquit. Fun for the whole family, the event celebrates the start of the 2025 season with classic games like blackjack, Texas Hold ’Em, roulette, and bingo
– plus plenty of treats to keep everyone energized while they play. Epic prizes will be awarded to winners of each game, including playhouse merchandise and tickets for the 2025 season. The box office window will be open during the event for those who wish to purchase tickets in person. All are welcome. No ID is required, and all games are free to play. The playhouse and chamber hope to see you there! For more information, visit www.ogunquitplayhouse.org/ event/rockin-the-boat.
Ready, Set, Green: 2025 Climate Action Fair YORK York Ready for Climate Action, The York Land Trust, the Town of York, and the York Recycling Committee will host the third annual Climate Action Fair on Saturday, May 3, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at York High School, 1 Robert Stevens Dr., in York. The Climate Action Fair is an inclusive, volunteer-led event designed to raise awareness about sustainable living and how reducing emissions can benefit our communities and the planet. This year’s fair will spotlight home energy efficiency and electrification, featuring vendors who install heat pumps, residen-
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tial solar panels, electric vehicle chargers and weatherization upgrades. Attendees can also explore electric car test drives, electric bikes, refillable personal care products and native plants. Local nonprofits such as the York Land Trust and the Center for Wildlife will be in attendance, along with representatives from York’s town committees, sustainable businesses, and youth programs. Residents who have completed home energy retrofits will be available to answer questions and share lessons from their own
WELLS Const r uction began March 3 on a major expansion of Downeaster train facilities at the Wells Transportation Center. The $11.8 million project includes replacing the existing high-level boarding platform adjacent to the station building and adding a second platform across the tracks, connected by a new overhead pedestrian bridge. The additional platform will allow Amtrak Downeaster trains traveling in opposite directions to board and deboard passengers at the same time, improving efficiency and reducing delays. Great Falls Construction of Gorham was awarded the project contract through a competitive
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snacks, and every family that comes through the door will be entered to win door prizes. Community members are encouraged to mark their calendars for Saturday, May 3, and attend the Climate Action Fair
to learn how to take meaningful steps to help the planet. For more information and a complete list of this year’s vendors, visit www.yorkreadyfor cl i mateac t ion.org/cl i mateaction-fair.
Expansion of Wells Train Station Underway
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experiences. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., attendees can test drive electric vehicles and learn more about what it’s like to own one. Games and activities for children are a big part of the fun. “We’re very pleased to provide a venue for families to gather and explore opportunities for climate action in the area. Our fair shows how much fun it can be to take care of the Earth,” said Marina Mails, executive director of York Ready for Climate Action. The event will offer free
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bidding process. The 18-month project is expected to support about 80 jobs and utilize around 40 suppliers. “We are excited to collaborate with NNEPRA on this endeavor which will enhance
transportation infrastructure and serve the Maine community and its visitors well for year to come. It’s a great project and we are happy to be a part of it,” said Jon Smith, President of Great Falls Construction.
Amtrak Downeaster service will continue uninterrupted during construction. A temporary boarding platform will be installed to maintain passenger access to trains, and traffic patterns within the station’s parking lot will be adjusted while work is underway. The platform expansion is part of the broader $31.9 million Wells Area Improvement Project (WAIP), which is funded in part by the Federal Railroad Administration’s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grant program. Additional funding is provided by the Maine Department of TransSee TRAIN on page 4 . . .
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